Collection: Vitner's

Founded in 1926, the C.J. Vitner Company was just five storefront shops on the south side of Chicago selling candy, magazines, tobacco, and ice cream. The Great Depression nearly wiped out this family-owned business, and owners Marie and Charles Vitner were desperate to find a way to stay afloat. Recognizing that tavern businesses were flourishing despite the economic downturn, the C.J. Vitner Company began selling a new kind of product directly to the taverns — snacks. They were soon distributing three snacks — Popcorn, Potato Chips, and Pretzels — to a growing list of taverns all across Chicago.